Truck Runs Over Footpath Sleepers In Pune Photo: Screengrab/PTI Truck Runs Over Footpath Sleepers In Pune Photo: Screengrab/PTI

Three people, including two toddlers, were killed and six others injured when a truck ran over people sleeping on a footpath in Maharashtra's Pune city early Monday. The incident occurred around 12:30 am in the Wagholi area, where several labourers were sleeping. The truck driver has been detained.

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"A truck ran over many people sleeping on the footpath near Kesnand Phata, leading to three deaths," a senior police official told PTI. "We are investigating whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol," the official added.

VIDEO | Maharashtra: At least three persons killed, and several others injured as a dumper runs over people sleeping on footpath in Pune. Visuals from the spot.#PuneNews #PuneAccident (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/DDCQ4FX5HM

The deceased have been identified as Vaibhavi Pawar (1), Vaibhav Pawar (2), and Vishal Pawar (22). Six injured persons are being treated at Sassoon General Hospital.

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Road accidents in India are often caused by poor driving, bad roads, or poorly maintained vehicles.  Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways shows a troubling rise in road fatalities between 2018 and 2022. The total number of road accident fatalities in 2022 reached 1,68,491, up from 1,53,972 in 2021, according to the government’s ‘Road Accidents in India, 2022’ report.

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have recorded the highest number of road accidents over the past five years. More than 7.77 lakh fatalities were reported across the country during the 2018-2022 period, the ministry said.

(With agency inputs)mega swerte